We’ll follow up with the all-important rookies for dynasty leagues list, but for redraft leagues we’ve put this together for you. Each player is assigned a value that we calculate using our evaluation algorithm, which produces a players expected fantasy value in 2020 only. We also include which round in a fantasy draft these rookies should be targeted, based on a 20-round/12-team league. While Joe Burrow is likely the cream of this crop as a fantasy contributor, with the quarterback position so deep again this year, he shouldn’t be drafted as anything but a late-round flyer. Rookie quarterbacks and tight ends tend to take a few years to develop (most wide receivers too), but running backs in good positions like Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Cam Akers have good value because of opportunity. D’Andre Swift may be the best of the bunch but Detroit isn’t a great fit for him to contribute right away, so he takes a bit of a tumble.
Note, too, that further trades, free agent signings etc. could influence this list. For example, if Minnesota adds a viable WR2 then Justin Jefferson will fall dramatically but as of this writing, he is slotted as the WR2 and will have a lot of opportunity to learn on the job as Adam Thielen’s primary running-mate.
*Edit: 5/1/2020 – We’ve moved Michael Pittman up and wanted to update this article too. His new slot should be at #12 on this list and should still be left in FA to start this season.
12-team/20 rounds
# | Player | Value | Round |
1 | Burrow, Joe QB-CIN | 256 | 18 |
2 | Edwards-Helaire, Clyde RB-KCC | 199 | 3 |
3 | Akers, Cam RB-LAR | 169 | 5 |
4 | Jefferson, Justin WR-MIN | 122 | 10 |
5 | Swift, D’Andre RB-DET | 109 | 8 |
6 | Vaughn, Ke’Shawn RB-TBB | 99 | 11 |
7 | Jeudy, Jerry WR-DEN | 97 | 14 |
8 | Ruggs, Henry WR-LVR | 75 | 19 |
9 | Dobbins, J.K. RB-BAL | 66 | 16 |
10 | Lamb, CeeDee WR-DAL | 66 | 20 |
11 | Asiasi, Devin TE-NEP | 61 | 18 |
12 | Jefferson, Van WR-LAR | 57 | FA |
13 | Aiyuk, Brandon WR-SFO | 57 | FA |
14 | Kmet, Cole TE-CHI | 51 | 19 |
15 | Herbert, Justin QB-LAC | 48 | FA |
16 | Dillon, A.J. RB-GBP | 37 | FA |
17 | Tagovailoa, Tua QB-MIA | 37 | FA |
18 | Mims, Denzel WR-NYJ | 35 | FA |
19 | Higgins, Tee WR-CIN | 35 | FA |
20 | Evans, Darrynton RB-TEN | 32 | FA |
21 | Duvernay, Devin WR-BAL | 29 | FA |
22 | Hamler, KJ WR-DEN | 28 | FA |
23 | Gibson, Antonio WR-WAS | 19 | FA |
24 | Reagor, Jalen WR-PHI | 4 | FA |
25 | Rohrwasser, Justin K-NEP | 0 | FA |
26 | *Pittman Jr., Michael WR-IND | -13 | FA |
27 | Taylor, Jonathan RB-IND | -13 | FA |
28 | Love, Jordan QB-GBP | -17 | FA |
29 | Ta’amu, Jordan QB-KCC | -18 | FA |
30 | Hurts, Jalen QB-PHI | -18 | FA |
31 | Stevens, Tommy QB-NOS | -19 | FA |
32 | Keene, Dalton TE-NEP | -26 | FA |
33 | Shenault, Laviska WR-JAC | -28 | FA |
34 | Claypool, Chase WR-PIT | -29 | FA |
35 | Deguara, Josiah TE-GBP | -30 | FA |
36 | Bowden, Lynn WR-LVR | -33 | FA |
37 | Trautman, Adam TE-NOS | -38 | FA |
38 | Moss, Zack RB-BUF | -38 | FA |
39 | Patrick, Jacques RB-CIN | -44 | FA |
40 | Calais, Raymond RB-TBB | -44 | FA |